I had a mini-30 tactical. It shot great and ran great with brass and steel Ammo. To me it was the best feeling and handling rifle. However if I shot 500 rounds of cheap Ammo and didn't clean I would have reliablity problems.
Really depends on the job. For hunting, I'd probably go with the mini 30 tactical that has a heavier barrel. For a range toy get a AK. Mags are cheaper and the aftermarket is huge.
I had them both. The Mini .30 was more accurate.
It felt better in my hands, and looks better. It looks American, not Com-Bloc.
The AK-47 /AKM is probably more reliable, has higher capacity mags. (30 round standard, but 40 and 50 round versions are on the market, plus those 75 round drums).
AK mags are cheap. 1/3 the cost of 20-rd Mini 30 mags.
Your call. I sold my AK and my Mini 30 eventually.
you can correct me on this if I'm wrong but two very different rifles and two very different ammo..... ak you can use all the cheap imported ammo but the mini uses American made .308" size bullets only.... imported 7.62x69 is not .308"